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Flu Symptoms and Prevention

Do I have a cold or the flu?

It can be difficult to determine whether that sore throat and stuffy nose is the sign of influenza or a cold. With flu season approaching, this chart will help prepare you to tell the difference:

Symptom

Cold

Flu

High Fever

Rarely

Yes, 100°F - 102°F (may be higher in young children)

Headache

Sometimes

Yes, often severe and starting suddenly

Body Aches

Rare or mild

Yes, often severe and starting suddenly

Tiredness

Sometimes

Yes, can be extreme

Sore Throat

Yes, common

Yes, common

Cough

Yes, mild to moderate

Yes, can be severe

Stuffy Nose

Yes, common

Sometimes

How do I keep from getting the flu?

Healthy is as healthy does, and that goes for your whole body, inside and out. Here are some simple ways to keep your immune system in good enough shape to fight off the flu and other germs:

Eat a balanced diet

Exercise at least four days a week

Get seven to nine hours of sleep a night

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water

Exercise is a particularly good booster for your immune system. Moderate exercise, like a brisk walk, for as little as 45 minutes a day, five days a week, can reduce risk of a cold significantly. Your diet matters greatly, too. Try to eat plenty of antioxidant-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.

How do I avoid spreading the flu?

"We want community members to realize that there are steps they can take to protect themselves from the flu and minimize the spread of the flu to others," says Rosalio Lopez MD, PIH Health’s Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. The flu is spread by contact. That means we can take steps to avoid getting it or spreading it. If you have a cold or flu or even think you might, here are some simple steps you can take to help stop the spread of germs that can make you or others sick:

Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hand

Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze

Put your used tissue straight into a waste basket

Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds

Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand cleaner

Wear a surgical mask

“We all want to protect our loved ones, friends and neighbors and the best way to do that is, when we become ill, to limit our exposure to others," Dr. Lopez says. "If you do get sick with flu-like symptoms, it is recommended that you stay home. That way, you will limit contact with others and help them stay healthy this flu season. If your symptoms linger or worsen, see your physician.”

The information in Healthy Living Online is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation, or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

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